New York Note: Council Legislation, Mamdani Savings Plan, Client Spotlight, Upcoming Webinar

March 30, 2026

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the New York City Council advanced a package of legislation focused on public safety, civil rights enforcement, and education. Notably, the Council approved legislation requiring the City to support religious and nonprofit institutions in developing emergency preparedness plans to address potential threats and ensure safe evacuation when necessary. In addition, the Council introduced a number of bills addressing quality‑of‑life and consumer protection issues, including measures to require food service establishments to permit customer‑provided reusable cups, prohibit synthetic food dyes in food purchased by city agencies, establish a warming center program, mandate the installation of outdoor drinking fountains in parks and other public spaces, create a support fund for small businesses affected by roadway construction, and strengthen city laws related to animal cruelty, among other proposals. All bills that were passed and introduced are available here.

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Mayor Mamdani Provides Update on City Savings Plan

Mayor Mamdani provided an update on the City of New York’s savings plan, outlining potential actions across agencies to address the City’s budget gap. As part of the preliminary budget, agencies were directed in January to identify recurring savings and operational reforms pursuant Executive Order 12. The recent update detailed proposals that project more than $1.7 billion in savings for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. The proposals, currently under review for inclusion in the Executive Budget, span five categories, including efficiencies in public services; contracting efficiencies; technology modernization; space consolidation and lease management; and financial adjustments and new revenue.

Client Spotlight: Roundabout Theatre Company Celebrates Reopening of Newly-Renovated Todd Haimes Theatre

Last week, Governor Hochul announced the completion of a $24 million renovation of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Todd Haimes Theatre. Originally built in 1911, the project restored the theater’s historic interior adding new seating and carpeting, upgraded electrical and safety systems, and expanded accessibility. The renovation was made possible through a public investment partnership, including $10.9 million from the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, and $3 million from New York State through Empire State Development, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), the New York State Council on the Arts, and the theater’s local State and City elected officials .

A Quarter for Your Thoughts: New York Employment Law Q1 2026 Developments & Trends Webinar

On April 9th, Michael Schmidt, Janice Sued Agresti, and Jamie Ansorge will present “A Quarter for Your Thoughts: New York Employment Law Q1 2026 Developments and Trends”, the latest installment in their quarterly webinar series. In this webinar, Mike, Janice, and Jamie will discuss the most recent employment law developments attorneys need to be aware of, as well as what’s coming next in terms of legislation and proposed bills that employers should be watching.

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About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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